Coach Emma Coates Exits England Under-23s Role to Become Head Coach at NWSL's Bay FC
Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, the 34-year-old coach has left her position leading the England Women’s Under-23 national team to be appointed head coach for National Women’s Soccer League franchise Bay FC.
Fresh Beginnings
She takes over from Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the San Jose-based club during its first two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya announced in September his intention to resign at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC occupy a lowly 13th place in the 14-team standings.
“My time with the FA has been incredible my time with the FA,” stated Coates. “The experience has been formative both on and off the pitch. I am now prepared and eager to challenge myself in a different setting.”
Coaching Pedigree
During her tenure in 2023, Coates guided the England U23s through fixtures including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the European U23 League and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. She will be joined to America is her right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the WSL.
Kay Cossington, a former FA women’s technical director, praised Coates's qualifications: “Emma is not only an outstanding tactician, but she also has a demonstrated history of elevating athletes to succeed on the biggest stages.”
“She is an outstanding leader of people and culture and has the tactical philosophy we were seeking,” she continued.
The Task Ahead
Bay FC experienced a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and suffering a postseason defeat in its first year before facing difficulties to a 13th-place finish in 2025.
The new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the outgoing coaches: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their time with us and wish them all the best with their venture abroad. Emma, with Gemma, has played a key role in fortifying the pipeline between the WU23s and the senior squad.”
“Together, they have directly impacted the development of many young players who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” he finished.
Pathway Success
Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the rise of several players to the national team, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who netted her debut Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
An extensive process for new U23 coaching staff has begun, with the aim to continue the development of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the seasons ahead.
